Gloucester respond to crowd trouble

Gloucester have issued a statement with regard to allegations of crowd misbehaviour during and following their fixture with Bath.

Gloucester have issued a statement with regard to allegations of crowd misbehaviour during and following their Premiership fixture with Bath.

The club received complaints regarding the behaviour of a minority of fans after Saturday's game, in particular, the use of foul and abusive language towards match officials at Kingsholm.

The Cherry and Whites have now investigated the matter, issuing a statement on Wednesday that included the Stadium Rules and Regulations.

"The following are strictly forbidden - use of foul and abusive language, obscene chanting or racial abuse towards any person," stated the club.

"As a result, the relevant CCTV has been studied in detail in an attempt to try and identify the individuals concerned. The club is now liaising with the relevant authorities to determine an appropriate course of action.

"As a club, Gloucester Rugby is completely committed to respecting the core values of rugby union as defined by the RFU - Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship."

The statement continued: "Gloucester Rugby is rightly proud of the passionate and committed support that it receives week in and week out from its supporters, the vast majority of whom always respect and abide by the values of the game.

"However, it also accepts that a very small minority crossed the line at the Bath game and behaved in an unacceptable manner. This simply cannot be condoned.

"At the final home Aviva Premiership match of the season - against London Irish - 10,000 cards carrying messages which reinforce the RFU's "I am part of the rugby family" campaign will be handed out.

"If supporters do witness similar incidents in the future, we would strongly encourage them to report it to the nearest available steward, who will deal with offender(s) as appropriate and record events in the Match Log.

"Gloucester Rugby considers Kingsholm to be one of the finest club venues in the world with some of the finest and most passionate supporters, a ground which welcomes all rugby supporters. The club will take the strongest possible action against the very small number of individuals who bring the club's name into disrepute by their actions."